Volvo S60 Concept

This Detroit-bound concept shows us what the next S60 will look like.

In contrast to the exodus of manufacturers from next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volvo offers up this first glimpse of its S60 concept sedan, which will debut on its stand as a preview of what the production model will look like when it arrives in 2010. Joining a growing number of sleek, coupe-inspired four-doors such as the Volkswagen CC and Mercedes-Benz CLS, the S60 concept represents a well-proportioned and aggressive departure from many of the company’s existing staid designs.

Sitting on seven-spoke, 20-inch wheels, the sedan sports a massive glass roof and an enlarged trapezoidal grille, which is flanked by small vertical running lamps and sweeping LED headlights inspired by Viking longboats. A “double wave” beltline extends from the tips of the headlights to the rear, where it flows over the bulged rear haunches and into unique taillight clusters that look clear, but illuminate their marker-light, brake-light, and turn-signal sections in appropriate colors when needed. A retractable diffuser improves aerodynamics at the rear of the vehicle and is part of Volvo’s attempt to infuse the S60 concept with cues reminiscent of the sweeping curves of a racetrack.

Classy Interior Touches, New Engine Tech

While the front doors open in a conventional manner, the button-operated rears pop out and then glide rearwards along the side of the car, stopping by the rear wheel wells. Once inside, the interior is concept-car chic, complete with an adaptation of Volvo’s trademark floating center console made of solid Orrefors crystal. It’s not likely to make it to production, but its wavelike form is in line with the Scandinavian ethos used throughout the rest of the design. Other interior highlights include a three-dimensional speedometer with numerals arranged in a spiral (the faster you go, the farther away the numbers appear), as well as lightweight, floating leather seats, which feature integrated center armrests and are attached to the center console, rather than the floor.

More than just a pretty face, the S60 concept also previews Volvo’s turbocharged, gasoline-direct-injection technology, which it calls GTDi; the tech will first be introduced on a production vehicle later next year, the company says. Displacing 1.6 liters, the turbocharged inline four-cylinder churns out 180 hp and employs stratified combustion, whereby an optimal air-fuel mix is positioned close to the sparkplug, allowing the engine to perform without using any more fuel than is necessary. The engine is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox, and also is capable of momentarily shutting off when the vehicle comes to a stop. Additionally, it can operate in a fuel-economy-conscious state called DRIVEe-Mode. This feature reduces fuel consumption via an economy mode that limits the function of select electrical and mechanical systems.

As Volvo’s reputation revolves around its advancements in safety, the S60 concept also debuts the production car’s collision-warning and pedestrian-detection technology. As with other sensor-based systems, audible and visual head-up-display warnings alert the driver to a potential collision. If the computer considers the impact imminent, full braking force is applied automatically, either avoiding the collision at lower speeds or (hopefully) significantly reducing the damage to a vehicle or person at greater velocities. The technology is similar to the City Safety system available on the XC60 crossover.

Other unique high-tech features of the S60 show car include next-generation adaptive cruise control capable of navigating stop-and-go gridlock, electric power steering, lightweight composite body panels, a flat underbody tray, and a wind-deflecting grille shutter that can reduce aerodynamic drag at higher speeds.

Call Us Skeptical

The current S60 had fans in the C/D office, especially in all-wheel-drive R form, but its aging chassis, front-drive dynamics, and overall soft demeanor haven’t engendered long-lasting love. Even when it was new—it was all-new for 2001 and has received only a light refresh since—the S60 finished behind the last-generation versions of the Lexus IS, Audi A4, and BMW 3-series in a comparison test. We’re hoping that whatever this concept turns into will inspire more permanent affection, but if the disappointing second-gen S80 is anything to go on, we’re not holding our collective breath.

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